This paper examines the goal of providing transparent computer access to people with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments. First, four basic strategies to provide this population with access to technology are identified: (1) building features into the computer, operating system, or application programs; (2) using adaptive…

An instructional application consists of a set of resources and activities that implement interacting, interrelated and structured experiences oriented towards achieving specific educational objectives. Computer-based instructional applications have to be looked at as any other development activity following a well defined process. With this…

Many instructors are expected to design and create Web courses. The design of Web courses can be a difficult task for educators who lack experience in interaction and instructional design. Design patterns have emerged as a way to capture design experience and present design solutions to novice designers. Design patterns are a widely accepted…

This book, while necessarily concerning itself with computer technology, approaches technology as a tool for providing public-service and helps librarians and others effectively manage public-access computers. The book is organized to progress from more technological to more managerial topics. The first chapter--which answers the question, "What…

This book is divided into two parts; the first part (chapters 1-4) discusses fundamental aspects of computing and related technologies, and the second part (chapters 5-8) covers library automation, systems, and services. The chapters are as follows: (1) Computer Hardware, including the central processor, input peripherals, output peripherals, and…

Software designed to promote the use of open-ended investigations in science education was evaluated in a study of whether using case-based simulation enhances students' understanding of ethical issues and data interpretation in science. The software was a DNA gel electrophoresis simulation that enabled students to conduct simulated genetic tests.…

A CD ROM program provides comparison construction cost capabilities for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in educational facilities. The program combines multiple types of systems with square footage data on low and high construction cost and school size to automatically calculate HVAC comparative construction costs. (GR)

Elementary schools in Knox County, Tennessee employ music specialists who spend about one hour weekly instructing individual elementary classes in music. Students in those classes receive about 64 music lessons per school year. The music curriculum in Knox County includes the six major elements of music: melody, harmony, rhythm, style, expressive…

The Virtual U Project is a simulation product created to help improve the management of the nation's university systems. Virtual U simulates running a university or college and assists management in allocating resources within the university. It is a powerful and user-friendly software tool that models the attitudes and behaviors of an academic…

This paper discusses the use of technology in gifted students' curriculum, methods that have been successfully used in classrooms, and the wealth of technological resources available to both the teacher and student. The paper describes how technology has been used to teach science, art, and enhance other subjects. Internet Web sites and various…

This paper documents the steps taken by Christopher Newport University (CNU) (Virginia) as it planned and implemented a World Wide Web-based education program in 1998-99. The paper begins by providing an overview of the context for distance education at CNU and detailing the history of both the institution and distance education. Next, the…

Prospective employers and external accreditation agencies today expect preservice teachers to fully document their success in a teacher education program. Missouri Western State College (MWSC) moved from the "scrapbook" portfolio to the World Wide Web delivered electronic portfolio in three years. This paper explains why MWSC chose to…

This document provides testimony on the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to ensure that its computer systems supporting critical student financial aid activities will be able to process information reliably through the turn of the century. After providing some background information, the statement recaps prior findings and the actions that…

This paper discusses the lessons learned from the use of early state-of-the-art Computer-Based Training (CBT) applications and hopes for the future. The paper is based on experiences with large introductory personal computer applications classes with over 700 students that used CBT such as Virtual Tutor and PinPoint. Findings are presented related…

Of primary concern is the ability of students high school age to be able to conceptualize what actually goes on in electronic circuitry in order for them to be able to build and troubleshoot with precision skill. The Fault Assisted Circuit Electronic Trainer (FACET) was used on three students to determine if this electronic computer-aided…